Alas Pilipinas ace Bryan Bagunas remains patient as he deals with a left knee injury that will keep him off the volleyball court for the foreseeable future.
Bagunas attended Cignal’s straight-set win against Savouge to open the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals.
Afterwards, he politely declined to provide details about his injury but mentioned that he is currently undergoing therapy to recover.
“Ayun, therapy muna ako saka palakas muna ulit bago bumalik sa court kasi syempre 100 percent bago bumalik ng court,” the 27-year-old outside hitter told Tiebreaker Times.
The former National University star sustained the injury after a jump serve attempt during the final play of the fourth set in the Philippines’ four-set loss against Indonesia in the 2024 Men’s Southeast Asia V.League last August.
Bagunas’ return to the Taraflex remains without a timetable, but he mentioned that he remains involved with the national team.
Alas Men plans to resume preparations soon for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, scheduled to be held in Manila.
“Minsan nagkikitakita kami, maayos naman. Nagpaplano na magsimula ulit kasi world championship ‘yung pinag-uusapan, kailangan maaga mag-umpisa para mapaghandaan nang maayos,” said the Southeast Asian Games silver medalist.
Last October, Bagunas was ruled out of Win Streak’s campaign in the Top Volleyball League due to the injury. The 6-foot-5 outside spiker was a pivotal piece in the team’s back-to-back titles and was even named MVP in the 2022-23 season.
The proud son of Balayan, Batangas shared that while his mother club was understandably ‘frustrated’ upon hearing the news, they remained supportive and emphasized that his recovery should be his top priority.
“Ayun, medyo na-frustrate sila kasi nga na-injured ako. Pero siyempre ‘di naman ‘to nga ine-expect, wala namang may gusto,” said Bagunas.
“So ayun, sabi magpahinga muna ako dito at magpalakas ulit. Nag-aantay lang naman sila dun, once na okay na babalik ako ulit.”
